Escapee Shot By Police In Downtown Casper [AUDIO]

Kevin Koile – K2 Radio

An escapee from the Casper Re-entry Center was shot in downtown Casper Friday morning, after police say he pulled a gun on an officer.

Casper Police Chief Chris Walsh said the shooting occurred early Friday morning October 12th, at the parking lot near 1^st Interstate Bank at 1^st and North Wolcott.

According to Chief Walsh, around 2:30 a.m. Friday, an officer was on routine patrol  at the downtown parking garage, near 2nd and South Wolcott, when he encountered a suspicious person while investigating an open door.

While attempting to talk to the person, the Chief said the suspect drew a handgun and the officer took cover.

The suspect fled the scene, and a search began to locate him.

The individual was found again around 5:45 Friday morning at 104 North Wolcott.

When confronted by the officer, Walsh said the individual again drew his weapon, and was shot in the arm by the officer.

The suspect was hospitalized and is expected to recover.

The investigation is now being handled by the Division of Criminal Investigation.

The suspect’s name has not been released, but investigators say he had been serving time on a manslaughter charge.

As we reported, police had been searching for 28-year-old Ryan Burgess of Powell, who escaped from CRC custody on Wednesday.

Burgess had been serving time on a manslaughter charge.

Police say they will release the identity of the suspect sometime Friday.

Click on the play button to hear from Casper Police Chief Chris Walsh.